Armed robbers Monday night shot dead an official of the vigilante group, Mr. Mzambatiav Ikyagba, near the old St Joseph Catholic Church, Akpehe in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
The incident took place around 10 pm. The robbers had attacked and robbed a nearby shop, including unsuspecting customers, who were unfortunate to have found themselves in the place when the robbery was on.
It was gathered that the robbers were about leaving when they sighted the vigilante member and shot him dead.
One of the residents who pleaded anonymity said a passer-by who noticed the robbery had informed the vigilante group members in the area who came and were trying to spy and see if it was possible to repel or arrest the robbers.
He said the robbers were fortunate to have sighted the vigilante first, and in an effort to escape, shot sporadically leading to the unfortunate death of a the vigilante group member.
He also stated that the late vigilante official acted unprofessionally when he came across the armed robbers during their operation.
Meanwhile the killing led to mild protest which resulted to closer of shops on the Abu Shuluwa road and Wurkum market.
Confirming the incidence, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, told newsmen in Makurdi that the victim was killed by the robbers during their operation at a provision shop at Akpehe.
DSP Anene further said the command has commenced investigation into the incident and urged the public to assist the force with any useful information that could lead to their arrest.
She said the command was determined to curb the state of any act of criminality.